Shape Outlines such as solid colors and
gradients have a transparency attribute that lets you reduce
the opacity of the outline so that the slide object or background behind shows through. Transparency is calculated in percentages and you can change
its value all the way from 0 to 100%. Look at Figure 1 below, and you will see the original outlines (Line shapes) on the left with
their semi-transparent (50%) counterparts on the right.
Figure 1: Solid and gradient outlines (lines) with their semi-transparent counterparts
To set a transparency value for your shape outline in PowerPoint 2013, follow these
steps:
-
Select the shape for which you want to change the transparency of
the outline, we selected a solid colored Line shape. Right-click the shape to bring up the contextual menu that you can see in
Figure 2. Within this menu, choose the Format Shape option.
Figure 2: Format Shape option selected
- This brings up the Format Shape
Task Pane that you see in Figure 3,
options may differ depending upon the original fill of your selected shape, in this instance, we have selected a Solid Line shape.
Also notice that, all Fill options are greyed out, and only Line options are accessible. That is because our selected line is an open shape, if you
had selected a closed shape like a circle or rectangle, the Fill options would be available. In that case make sure to consider only
Line options. Drag the Transparency slider within the Line section, highlighted in red
within Figure 3 to change the transparency value.
Figure 3: Set transparency for solid line
Tip: You can even use the Up or Down arrow buttons towards the right (highlighted in
blue within Figure 3, above) to increase or decrease the transparency, also you can directly type in
the transparency percentage value within the box placed next to Transparency slider.
Gradient Outlines work a little differently as
far as transparency is concerned, you need to adjust the transparency value of every single color stop comprised within the gradient
fill you choose. To do that, select each stop of your gradient
individually, and change its transparency, as shown highlighted in red within Figure 4, below.
Figure 4: Set transparency for gradient stops
- Save your presentation often.
Tip: You have learned how to change the transparency of shape outlines. Similarly, you can also change the transparency for shape
fills of closed shapes, as explained in our
Transparency for Shape Fills in PowerPoint 2013
for Windows tutorial.
See Also:
Transparency for Shape Outlines in PowerPoint 2011 for Windows
Transparency for Shape Outlines in PowerPoint 2010 for Windows
